Someone San Diego Should Know: Greg Zinser

Greg Zinser is a retired corporate CEO who has spent a lifetime sharing music in extraordinary ways. His most recent is Music123, a unique program provided free to thousands of young children.

“Music is therapeutic. It’s fun, and it has physical and psychological benefits — listening, playing or singing,” he said. “It’s a gift to have music in your life, and I have looked for every opportunity to give that gift to as many people as possible.

“I know from personal experience what an impact music can have.”

Born in 1955 and raised in Ohio along with four siblings, he experienced music at an early age when his mother, who performed on radio in the 1940s, regularly sang to him.

He began playing piano at 8, about the time his father lost his job resulting in much financial stress.

“My parents would argue over money,” Zinser said. “Music was an escape. I would either listen to music or shut the door and play music.”

The family enjoyed music, often singing together around the piano. When they did, Zinser said, “the problems and arguments all disappeared for a while, and we were a happy family.”

He grew to become an accomplished musician, performing at piano bars five nights a week to help pay for college. After graduating in 1976, he relocated to San Diego for a position with an accounting firm.

He eventually worked 20 years for one of the firm’s clients, Vista Hill Foundation, a prominent San Diego social service nonprofit,...